For over 25 years, Hakumai has captivated audiences with performances that blend traditional Japanese sensibilities with a style anyone can enjoy. His mastery and unique expressiveness bring to life the delicate, resonant tones of the shamisen—music that speaks directly to the heart.
Private performance
“Afternoon Shamisen”
Garden & Shamisen & Matcha - An exquisite Japanese music experience
Savor matcha and sweets amid the beauty of a historic temple garden, accompanied by the refined sounds of the shamisen.
Enjoy traditional Nagauta (Kabuki and Samurai music), Western tunes with a touch of wabi-sabi—the Japanese beauty of imperfection and age—and original ambient compositions. Each program is tailored to the season and your preferences for a truly memorable experience.
Date & Time
- Reservation required, 1pm – 4pm (except Sundays)
Location : Buddhist temple
1. Kyoto Downtown : Private temple (non-public)
(5 min. walk from Sanjo Keihan Sta.)
Detailed location will be provided after booking.
*Click the photo to enlarge.
2. Kyoto Gion : Chourakuji Temple
(10-min. walk from the city bus Gion Sta.)
Google Maps
*Click the photo to enlarge.
Duration
- 45 min (Performance with shamisen explanation + Matcha and sweets)
Number of people
- 1 to 6 people
Price
- Base price: 50,000 yen (includes 1 guest). Each additional guest: +2,000 yen.
(advance payment by credit card required) - Includes facility use, matcha, sweets, and performance
Booking
- At least 14 days in advance
Cancellation Policy
- 50% charge: 7–5 days before
- 100% charge: 4 days or less before
Notes
- Hakumai will respond in simple English. If there is difficulty, a translation app will be used. Thank you for your understanding.
- If you’d like meals, please inquire in advance. The location may differ.
Private performance
“Shamisen BAR”
Hideaway & Shamisen & Alcohol
A Secret Kyoto Music Experience
Indulge in the refined sounds of the shamisen while savoring expertly crafted drinks in a Kyoto townhouse hideaway.
Enjoy captivating explanations of the shamisen, traditional Nagauta (Kabuki and Samurai music), Western tunes with a touch of wabi-sabi—the Japanese beauty of imperfection and age—plus original ambient compositions and more.
Each program is curated to reflect the season and your preferences, creating an unforgettable evening of elegance and artistry.
Date & Time
- Reservation required (Mon, Wed, Thu / 6pm – 8pm)
Location
BAR GEAR AJITO
242 Kugakushi-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 600-8438
Google Map
Duration
- 45 min (Performance with shamisen explanation + 2 drinks)
Number of people
- 1 to 8 people
Price
- Base price: 40,000 yen (includes 1 guest). Each additional guest: +3,000 yen.
(advance payment by credit card required)
Includes facility use, matcha, sweets, and performance
Booking
- At least 14 days in advance
Cancellation Policy
- 50% charge: 7–5 days before
- 100% charge: 4 days or less before
Notes
- Hakumai will respond in simple English. If there is difficulty, a translation app will be used. Thank you for your understanding.
- If you’d like meals, please inquire in advance.
Performance on request
Elegant Performances for Ceremonial Occasions
Enhance the dignity and prestige of your event with live performances of traditional celebratory shamisen pieces. Perfect for commemorative ceremonies and other distinguished gatherings, these time-honored melodies bring a refined, authentic atmosphere.
Shamisen in Harmony with the Landscape
The shamisen is an instrument that paints landscapes in sound. Whether in a Japanese garden, at a temple or shrine, aboard a boat, or even on a train, its tones blend seamlessly with the scenery. In bars and lounges, it can create an immersive atmosphere that fills the entire space.
As a solo performance, it requires minimal setup space, and can be played acoustically or with PA equipment for a more expansive sound experience.
Music Loved Across Generations
From Nagauta (traditional shamisen music in Kabuki and Samurai culture) to Japanese folk songs, Western classics, and modern tunes, each piece is reinterpreted with a touch of wabi-sabi, the Japanese beauty of imperfection and age. These performances invite audiences of all ages to intuitively enjoy the beauty of Japan’s traditional sound and aesthetic sensibilities.
A Rich Record of Collaborations
Drawing on extensive stage experience in performing arts, I excel in collaborating with traditional elements such as tea, flowers, cuisine, dance, and historic architecture, as well as contemporary art and cutting-edge technology.
For such collaborations, I incorporate classical or ambient music—often with improvisation—to create a soundscape that harmonizes with the space and theme. From composition to artistic direction, I offer a bespoke musical experience unlike any other.
Rates & Conditions
- Reference fee: ¥50,000–¥300,000
- Pricing varies depending on performance length, concept, location, audience profile, and guest numbers
- Based in Kyoto, available for performances throughout Japan, with international engagements warmly welcomed.
- Performance style can be adapted to the venue and concept: seated on the floor or chair, standing, in traditional kimono or Western attire
- PA equipment can be provided if needed
- Original compositions for events or performances available (additional fee)
- Travel expenses charged separately
Cancellation Policy
- Please book at least one month in advance
- Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will incur a fee (details negotiable)
Promotional Video
Introduction video (1 minute) / “Iroha Uta” (excerpt version)
Introduction video (3 minute) / “Iroha Uta” (complete version)
Event: TradArt Complex / Venue: ROHM Theater Kyoto / 2021
Request: Morita Yukiko, owner of Cafe Gallery Tokijiku
Performance: Original song “Ougi-Gami” (omnibus, from beginning to 0:53)
Contents: Collaboration event of traditional crafts and performing arts
Cast: Heki Atsushi(dance), Yamada Hakumai, Yonehara Yasuto (Sensu craftsman)
Event: Heki Atsushi New Year Dance / Venue: Kyo Kaiseki Takeshigero / 2019
Request: Dancer Heki Atsushi
Performance: “Kotobuki” (celebration)
Cast: Heki Atsushi, Yamada Hakumai
Event/Place/Request: Manzoku Inari Shrine “New Year’s Day Festival”
Performance: Original song “Fox Sambaso”
Cast:Kawada Zenkyu (Kyogen), Mizutani Futeikyu (Flute), Yamada Hakumai
Event: Salaryman Kyogen / Venue: UrBANGUILD / 2019
Request: Kyogen Kawada Zenkyu
Performance: Original song “Hanakin Sanbaso”
Cast:Kawada Zenkyu, Yamada Hakumai
Event: Perem International Dance Festival / Venue: Kongo-ji temple & Indonesian Perem (Online)/2020
Request: Contemporary dancer Lim Pei Ern
Cast:Pei Ern, Yamada Hakumai
Event: Kansai Electric Power Support Project, Demonstration Experiment at Osaka Castle Park
Venue: Osaka Castle Park / 2019
Contents: Tea party at 5km/h automatic driving mobility “iino”.
Provided sound for the dance and Tea celemony
Event/Venue: Nyuhozan Saihoji Temple (Kyoto City)/2019
Contents: Rensho-ki entertainment dedication
Cast: Wakayagi Miten (Japanese dance) Yamada Hakumai
I don’t know what’s real in the world, but I felt your performance was real. Also let me hear
It was great to hear without a mic such far. The voice was good, and the shamisen’s tone was really nice.
I had a luxurious time in an unexpected place. Thank you.
He performed as a shamisen performer at an event where traditional craft works were conveyed through performing arts. Hakumai’’s bright voice was well suited to the glamorous luxury of traditional crafts such as a gold-pressed fan.
Event producer Morita Setsuko
We are asking you to perform in a collaboration performance with Kyogen.
- It is an easy-to-listen singing voice.
- He balances the volume and creates a voice that matches my performance.
- The words are easy to hear, so the messages can be delivered to the customer.
- It brings out the dancers.
- It creates an atmosphere where you can immerse yourself.
Kyogen performer (playwright/actor) Kawata Zenkyu
We had a workshop and live performance at Bunka Marche.
Easy-to-understand explanations made it possible for all participants to play immediately.
After the workshop ended, everyone seemed to be filled with a sense of accomplishment.
Highly recommended for people of all ages who are interested in Japanese culture and shamisen.
Event organizer Mr. A
Flow of Request
Shamisen song musician
Yamada Hakumai
Born in 1982 and based in Kyoto, delivering Wabi-Sabi sound experiences through singing and shamisen. (Wabi-Sabi refers to the Japanese aesthetic of imperfection and aging.)
Started playing Nagauta (Kabuki and Samurai music) in a university club in 2002. After graduating, became a professional Nagauta performer, appearing at major venues including Kabuki-za and the National Theatre.
Became independent in 2014. Released the original album Konjaku Oto Fukei (“Sound of Landscapes: Now and Then”) in 2019 (available online).
Performs Nagauta, Japanese folk songs, contemporary pieces, Western music, ambient music, and more in theaters, temples, bars, hotels, and other venues, earning praise from audiences across generations.
